HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Researchers Luis Filipe Senna, M.D., M.Sc., Tribe Medical Group, Ontario, Canada, and Chad D. Lavender, M.D., of Marshall University highlight the use of a needle scope known as a NanoScope to visualize distal clavicle resection in an article published in Volume 11, Issue 4, of Arthroscopy Techniques, a companion to Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery.

Acromioclavicular joint pathology such as osteoarthritis has historically been treated with either an open or arthroscopic distal clavicle resection. Over the past 15 years, the trend has been toward more minimally invasive treatment options with the arthroscope due to its less-invasive intervention, improved cosmesis, easier postoperative rehabilitation and a faster return to function. In this article, the researchers explored using a NanoScope to visualize the resection that can be performed through a small percutaneous incision.

“The chip-on-tip technology allowed for the development of needle-size arthroscopes that can access tighter spaces with a less invasive approach. In this article, we showed that needle arthroscopy can be used for a direct approach to the acromioclavicular joint for distal clavicle excision without the need to violate the acromioclavicular ligaments, the subacromial space or the glenohumeral joint,” said Senna, orthopaedic surgeon and head of medical education for Tribe Medical Group.

“The advantages we found with using this technique include less morbidity, a decreased risk for acromioclavicular joint instability and a decreased loss and need for fluid,” said Lavender, assistant professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and orthopaedic surgeon at Marshall Health.

The researchers determined the approach is more technically demanding when compared to the arthroscopic indirect subacromial approach to the AC. Other disadvantages to consider are the additional cost of the NanoScope and need of special small size instruments.

Arthrex first released the NanoScope in 2019. To date, Lavender has performed more than 100 nanoscopic arthroscopic procedures and published numerous articles related to using this new type of technology in addition to a dedicated technique textbook describing his techniques.

To view the article in its entirety, visit: https://www.arthroscopytechniques.org/article/S2212-6287(21)00347-9/fulltext

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Date Posted: Friday, July 1, 2022